ROYAL MOMENT

Strawberry Queen, King are crowned

Sarah Goodrich

Staff Writer

The Inter-Mountain photos by Sarah Goodrich
West Virginia Treasurer John Perdue, at right, prepares to crown West Virginia Strawberry Festival Queen Charlotte Bellotte Wednesday as Strawberry King Joseph Robinson, left, looks on at the West Virginia Wesleyan College Chapel.

BUCKHANNON — Though skies were overcast, the 77th annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival’s events came off without a hitch Wednesday afternoon.

At noon on the steps of the Upshur County Courthouse, visitors and residents were welcomed during the festival’s opening ceremonies and the lighting of the festival flame.

Upshur County Commission president Sam Nolte and Mayor David McCauley greeted folks to the festival that has become an annual highlight for the city and county.

“On behalf of our entire city council and 85 full-time employees, I’m honored as always to welcome everyone to our 77th Strawberry Festival … ,” said McCauley. “Our city is pleased to partner with the festival association to create a spectacular week of fun to our residents and visitors alike.”

He added that, when folks think of Buckhannon, “I believe the first three things to come to mind are our beautiful downtown, West Virginia Wesleyan College and — ta-da! — our Strawberry Festival.”

On behalf of the Upshur County Commission, Nolte expressed gratitude for the many volunteers who make the festival more than just a vision.

“Without the countless hours, (and) dedication year after year, this (festival) would not be possible,” he said.

Nolte touched on the theme for this year’s festival — Stars, Stripes and Strawberries — and expressed gratitude for the sacrifices of our military personnel.

“I have no doubt that everybody here today, until the remainder of the festival, will have an upbeat, wonderful time,” he said.

Also in attendance for the festivities were 2018 Strawberry Festival queen elect Charlotte Bellotte and king elect Joseph Robinson. Bellotte and Robinson lit the festival flame, signifying the festival is in full swing.

On Wednesday evening, Robinson, of Mannington and Bellotte, of Charles Town, were crowned during the festival’s annual coronation at the West Virginia Wesleyan College Chapel.

TODAY

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Photography Exhibit — Senior Citizen Center

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Craft Sale — First Presbyterian Church

10 a.m. — Diaper Derby — Courthouse Plaza

10:30 a.m. — Strawberry Blonde — Courthouse Plaza

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Arts & Craft, Quilt & Art Show –WVWC Gym

11 a.m. to 11 p.m. — Food Court — Spring Street

Noon — Dominos & Checkers Tournament — Senior Citizens Center

5:30 to 8 p.m. — Live Music — Courthouse Plaza

6 to 11 p.m. — Carnival — Downtown Buckhannon

6:30 p.m. — Junior Royalty Parade — Strawberry Lane

7:30 to 10 p.m. — Live Music — Spring Street Stage

8:30 p.m. — Strawberry Idol (Gospel Night) — Courthouse Plaza

FRIDAY

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Strawberry Pancakes — First United Methodist Church